Orlando Motorcyclist Killed in Collision With Tractor-Trailer

A man was killed recently when his motorcycle collided with a tractor-trailer on Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Florida Highway Patrol troopers investigating the accident have not released the name or address of the victim but say that he was 47 years old and lived in the Orlando metropolitan area. Troopers say that the truck was westbound on Principal Row around 6 a.m. when it attempted to turn into a driveway. The motorcyclist was traveling behind the truck, and, when the truck slowed, the rider accelerated and tried to pass the semi on the right side. When the truck began turning into the driveway, the rider collided with the cab and was partially run over. The rider was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. The truck driver, a 34-year-old Orlando man, was not injured in the accident. The FHP investigation is still ongoing, and no charges have been filed in connection with the accident.

Regular readers of this blog know that the vast majority of Florida motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers of vehicles with four or more wheels who violate riders’ right of way. It is a rider’s worst nightmare that a driver will turn directly in front of them or pull out of a driveway or side street directly into their path, giving them little or no time to react and take evasive action. However, as this tragic accident indicates, motorcyclists can be negligent also. By attempting to pass a semi truck on the right, this rider made a serious error in judgment. Although the accident investigation is still underway, it is very likely that the truck was attempting a right-hand turn from the left lane of Orange Blossom Trail in order to maneuver the tractor-trailer into the driveway. It is legal to pass on the right in Florida if the road has two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, but all drivers, and especially motorcyclists, have to be mindful of the large blind spots on these big rigs. It’s likely that the truck driver could not see the rider attempting to pass him on the right due to these blind spots.

If you or a member of your immediate family has been injured in an accident caused by a negligent motorcyclist, you have a right to seek damages to defray the costs of medical care, pain and suffering, repair or replacement of your vehicle and other expenses. Before you sign any papers or accept a payment from the at-fault party or their insurance company, it is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney like James O. Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham has been helping injured people since 1977 and can answer your questions and explain your legal options during a free consultation. Schedule yours today by calling 386-243-4994!

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.